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Spider-man · 07-18-2003, 04:00 PM

This does not look good for BA.

Strike action grounds BA flights

BA flights from Terminal One have been cancelled
British Airways (BA) flights from Heathrow Airport's Terminal One have been grounded after the airline's staff staged a wildcat strike.
The airline said all international and domestic BA flights scheduled to take off from Terminal One on Friday evening had been cancelled.

The flights - about 60 in all - were cancelled after BA ground staff staged a walkout at about 1600 BST on Friday.

Staff taking part in the walkout included ticket and baggage handlers, making it impossible for flights to take off.

The employees are protesting against a new entry system under which staff must swipe in and out at the beginning and end of their shifts, allowing their working hours to be monitored.

The new system, known as Automated Time Recording, is due to come into effect on Tuesday.

Travel chaos

A BA spokesman said the system had been in use in some parts of Heathrow for three years.

The flight cancellations, which come at the peak of the summer holiday season, have caused chaotic scenes at Heathrow, one of the world's busiest airports.

BBC London News reporter Darshna Soni said Terminal One was "jam-packed."

"There are huge queues alongside each information desk," she said, speaking from the airport.

The Transport and General Workers' Union (TGWU) - which represents some BA staff - said the action had not been put to the vote by its members.

"The strike is unofficial," a TGWU spokeswoman said.

Flights from Terminal One serve destinations in the UK and mainland Europe.

BA flights from Terminal Four, which fly to long-haul destinations, are unaffected, the airline said.

BA has advised passengers planning to fly from Terminal One on Friday evening not to come to Heathrow, but to call 0800 727 800 for further information instead.

07-18-2003, 04:00 PM	#1
Spider-man Insane Collector Join Date: May 2002 Location: Mississauga, Ontario, Canada, North America, Earth, Milky Way, Universe Posts: 1,636	Strike action grounds BA flights This does not look good for BA. Strike action grounds BA flights BA flights from Terminal One have been cancelled British Airways (BA) flights from Heathrow Airport's Terminal One have been grounded after the airline's staff staged a wildcat strike. The airline said all international and domestic BA flights scheduled to take off from Terminal One on Friday evening had been cancelled. The flights - about 60 in all - were cancelled after BA ground staff staged a walkout at about 1600 BST on Friday. Staff taking part in the walkout included ticket and baggage handlers, making it impossible for flights to take off. The employees are protesting against a new entry system under which staff must swipe in and out at the beginning and end of their shifts, allowing their working hours to be monitored. The new system, known as Automated Time Recording, is due to come into effect on Tuesday. Travel chaos A BA spokesman said the system had been in use in some parts of Heathrow for three years. The flight cancellations, which come at the peak of the summer holiday season, have caused chaotic scenes at Heathrow, one of the world's busiest airports. BBC London News reporter Darshna Soni said Terminal One was "jam-packed." "There are huge queues alongside each information desk," she said, speaking from the airport. The Transport and General Workers' Union (TGWU) - which represents some BA staff - said the action had not been put to the vote by its members. "The strike is unofficial," a TGWU spokeswoman said. Flights from Terminal One serve destinations in the UK and mainland Europe. BA flights from Terminal Four, which fly to long-haul destinations, are unaffected, the airline said. BA has advised passengers planning to fly from Terminal One on Friday evening not to come to Heathrow, but to call 0800 727 800 for further information instead. __________________ Your Friendly Neighborhood Spider-man